Memories

Friday 3rd May 1918

Today marks the anniversary of the action at Cherisy which, as the adjutant admitted unhappily, has been the only reverse suffered by the 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment in this war. Today the battalion is at Avesnes-Chaussoy west of Amiens, training.

Lieutenant-Colonel Collings-Wells

The 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment is gradually recovering from the hardships and losses of the March retreat, including the action at Bouzincourt Ridge in which they lost their commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Collings-Wells. A few days ago the battalion heard that Lieutenant-Colonel Collings-Wells had been awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his leadership during the retreat and his courage immediately before his death. Second-Lieutenant Charles Lovatt, who was killed on 12th April after only eight days with the battalion has also been awarded a posthumous Military Cross; he had previously served with 26th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. The battalion is currently at Talmas, south of Doullens and today welcomed back a working party of four hundred which had been employed at Varennes, a couiple of miles from Bouzincourt.

Sources: X550/5/3; X550/8/1

The Battle of Bouzincourt Ridge

The Basilica at Albert [X550/5/1]


Wednesday 27th March 1918

The unthinkable has indeed happened. Overnight Albert was abandoned to the enemy, for the first time in this war. The decision was made that, symbol or no, the town must be given up and the defences moved to the high ground to the east of the town as well as along the west bank of the River Ancre. Thus the ruins tonight will lie under the Kaiser's jackboot. Those we have spoken to here at Amiens, now the nerve centre of the defence against the German attack, are grimly determined that Albert will not languish long under enemy control. 

Yesterday it was decided to place on man in charge of all allied armies on the Western Front - French, British, Belgian and, eventually, American. Being largely a war fought in France this command has been given to a Frenchman - Marshal Foch. He is said to be a cool-headed, intelligent man and acceptable to Field Marshal Haig. This crisis, the most pressing since the early days of 1914 and the German thrust towards Paris, will certainly test his nerve and abilities to the utmost. 

Looking at the battalions of the Bedfordshire Regiment currently engaged, I have been able to contact each of them. 2nd Battalion came under attack again this morning, and began a fighting withdrawal just after midday. They held the line of a road from Arvillers to Folies and were able to stop any further German attacks in their tracks and remain in this same position this evening.

The 7th Battalion marched to Saint-Aubin this afternoon and form a reserve to 58th Division. The adjutant quoted a letter he had received from General Brecard of 1st Dismounted Cavalry Division, with whom the battalion has been working:  "During the Operations of the 24th/25th March, the 18th Division with two Brigades of Artillery, commanded by General Lee has been put under my orders".

"With regard to this, I wish to bring to your notice the splendid attitude and the brilliant bearing of the 54th Brigade and the 8th and 83rd Artillery Brigades".

"I wish to bear testimony to the perfect "camaraderie" which those General Officers and their units placed under their commands have never ceased to show, as also to the superb bearing of their troops".

"It is thanks to their splendid and dogged defence that I have been able to free on my right a situation often difficult, especially at the time of retirement on to the South Bank of the Oise on the night of 25th/26th March."

Today's main news, however, concerns the 4th Battalion, part of 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The news is both grave and glorious. The battalion was at Bouzincourt Ridge, overlooking Albert as the town was ceded to the enemy overnight. At 7.30 this morning they attacked the railway line here, to slow the German advance. Your correspondent managed to speak with one of the senior officers - Captain FT Spicer who reported as follows: "At 6.30 pm yesterday orders were received to move at once in advance guard formation to Bouzincourt, which was reached at 8 pm. During the evening the enemy, attacking in mass formation, had gained Albert and had obtained a footing in Aveluy Wood. Small parties of the enemy had advanced on Bouzincourt but had been driven back just before we arrived".

"At midnight we moved from the village onto the high ground to the east, preparatory to an attack".

"About 7.30 a.m., in conjunction with troops on the right and left, we attacked, drove the Germans off the high ground and regained the Albert-Arras railway near Aveluy".

"At first all went well. The Germans were driven back down the Ancre valley to the railway, where for a long time the fighting was confused. After desperate fighting, during which the bayonet was freely used, the railway was reached in several places, and by bombing outwards the whole of the railway was made good".

"Meanwhile large parties of Germans debouched from Albert and counter-attacked the right flank. The arrival of some machine guns, however, saved the situation and forced the Germans to retire back into the town".

"Throughout the afternoon and evening strong counter-attacks under cover of a heavy artillery and trench mortar fire (the enemy was very quick in bringing up trench mortars) were made. These attacks followed rapidly one after the other and were only repulsed after the most bitter fighting. The enemy suffered heavily from our rifle and machine gun fire".

"During one of these attacks a trench mortar bomb fell and exploded in the shell hole from which Lieutenant-Colonel Collings-Wells was directing the operation".

This attack has come at great cost. Your correspondent spoke yesterday to the battalion's commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Collings-Wells. Tonight he lies in earth, killed just as Captain Spicer relates. Major Nunneley, Second Lieutenant Macklin and Second Lieutenant Soames were also killed. Captain Plumbly is now in command of the battalion(1)

This evening has come a surprise statement. At five o'clock General Sir Hubert Gough was relieved of command of Fifth Army and will be replaced by Sir Henry Rawlinson tomorrow. This great German offensive has been aimed largely at Fifth Army and it seems as if Sir Hubert has paid the price for its success so far. Ironically, many officers to whom my colleagues and I have spoken feel that the capture of Albert will be about the limit of this advance. The enemy is not moving so quickly as he did a few days ago, nor getting so far. His troops are obviously tired, their supplies stretched and their momentum appears to be slowing. let us hope so.

Sources: X550/3/wd; X550/5/1; X550/5/3; X550/8/1

(1) The action took place just south of Bouzaincourt Ridge Cemetery, where today some of the battalion, including Collings-Wells and Soames lie buried. On 23rd April The London Gazette carried the following citation for a posthumous Victoria Cross awarded to John Stanhope Collings-Wells: "For most conspicuous bravery, skilful leading and handling of his battalion in very critical situations during a withdrawal. When the rearguard was almost surrounded and in great danger of being captured, Lieutenant Colonel Collings-Wells, realising the situation, called for volunteers to remain behind and hold up the enemy whilst the remainder of the rearguard withdrew, and with his small body of volunteers held them up for one and half hours until they had expended every round of ammunition. During this time he moved freely amongst his men guiding and encouraging them, and by his great courage undoubtedly saved the situation. On a subsequent occasion, when his battalion was ordered to carry out a counter-attack, he showed the greatest bravery. Knowing that his men were extremely tired after six days' fighting, he placed himself in front and led the attack, and even when twice wounded refused to leave them but continued to lead and encourage his men until he was killed at the moment of gaining their objective. The successful results of the operations were, without doubt, due to the undaunted courage exhibited by this officer."

News from Palestine

Sunday 6th May 1917

We have heard from Palestine about the doings of the 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, in the aftermath of the unsatisfactory Second Battle of Gaza back in mid-April. They have been patrolling and salvaging. Yesterday a small party found six boxes of small arms ammunition, 71 sets of equipment, five Lee Enfield rifles and three identity discs from dead bodies. Another salvaging party recovered two discs from dead officers and thirty other ranks belonging to various units.  Patrols have found the Turks hard at work on defences against another attack on Gaza which both sides know will be coming at some point(1)

On a lighter note we have heard from the 1st Battalion. They are in tents near the village of Roclincourt, just north of Arras and a few miles behind the new front line. Today they played 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment at football, though the score, being, no doubt, top secret, was not divulged.  

On the Bullecourt battlefield today the Australians have been attacked by the enemy in the trenches they took a few days ago. The Germans employed flamethrowers, or flammenwerfers as they call them, and these proved highly effective, driving the 3rd Australians out of some of their line. However, reinforcements from 1st Australian Brigade halted the enemy and pushed him out, actually taking a little more trench than they had previously held in the process. Apparently the bravery of a man named Howell was instrumental in this German reversal and many are already saying he should receive a Victoria Cross for his actions(2).

Sources: X550/2/5; X550/6/8

(1) But not until 1st November.

(2) He did. Corporal (later Sergeant) George Julian Howell had dashed from cover and run parallel to the German advance, meaning he was in the open as the Germans advanced down the trench. He threw bombs at them until he was wounded, causing them to retreat and giving his comrades time to rally and to pursue the retiring Germans. Though wounded he survived the action.

Great Bravery and a Successful Attack

Saturday 17th March 1917 from our correspondent in the field

No one can keep a good unit down for long. After their setback on 15th March the 7th Battalion were spoiling for another go. At 5 am yesterday all companies were warned to be prepared to advance at dawn. Active patrolling then took place to determine any enemy activity.

At 8 am C Company was ordered to advance in four open waves, their objectives being the Bihucourt Line again and finally Achiet-le-Grand and the high ridge beyond. D Company was ordered to support C Company. B Company was ordered to make a flank along the railway line as far as Achiet-le-Grand. A Company was in reserve.

The operation was carried out with the greatest skill and urgency, some machine gun fire was experienced at the commencement. Heavy artillery fire was experienced in entering Achiet-le-Grand from which the Battalion suffered casualties.

The Bihucourt Line was occupied by 10 am. By 2 pm Achiet-le-Grand was occupied and an hour later positions round the northern and eastern sides of Achiet-le-Grand and a strong flank position along the railway on the western side were held. These positions were then consolidated.

Christopher Cox, from the Achiet-le-Grand during WW1 website

http://www.achiet-le-grand.org/christopher_coxvc.htm 

Having finished his good news the adjutant then went on to describe the great bravery of one particular soldier - 13908 Private Christopher Augustus Cox. He is a stretcher bearer and on 15th, when the attack stalled and the men sought shell holes to avoid anihilation, Private Cox, with complete disregard for his own safety, went out over the bullet-swept ground and single-handedly rescued four men - Private Cox has great strength, and brought them in on his back. He then went out again to help the wounded from the adjoining battalion. Yesterday and today he undertook similar rescue missions with the same cool bravery(1).

Source: X550/8/1

(1) Private Cox, from King’s Langley in Hertfordshire was gazetted on 11th May 1917 with the award of the Victoria Cross.

Day Ninety Two on the Somme

Saturday 30th September 1916: From our Correspondent in the Field

Today the 7th Bedfords have gone ack to rest billets a few miles away at Mailly-Maillet. Colonel Price has given me a list of officers and men recommended for decorations. Given the desperate nature of the fighting the list is a long one and appears below.

The Colonel, naturally a proud man, told me: “During the period mentioned in this diary the Battalion went into action on two occasions. The Morale of the Battalion was extremely high. The men fought with determination and skill, gained all their allotted objectives and received the highest praise from their Brigadier, Divisional Commander, Corps Commander, Army Commander and were especially congratulated by the General Officer Commanding, Sir Douglas Haig”. He then yold me that 8 officers and 210 men have been wounded and 101 are missing. The strength of the companies this evening is as follows: A 215; B 190; C 203; D 220. The Battalion as a whole has 25 Officers and 803 Other Ranks.

Officers recommended for awards are:

• Second Lieutenant Tom Edwin Adlam – Victoria Cross(1)
• Captain Leslie Howard Keep – Distinguished Service Order
• Captain William Joseph Wellesley Colley - Distinguished Service Order
• Second Lieutenant Harold Agnew Reaney - Distinguished Service Order(2)
• Lieutenant Douglas Scrivener Howard Keep - Military Cross(3)
• Captain John Henry Bridcutt - Military Cross(4)
• Captain John Wright Turner - Military Cross

Other ranks recommended are:

• 16176 Company Sergeant Major Richard Maurice Brand - Distinguished Conduct Medal(5)
• 6466 Company Sergeant Major Charles Hall - Distinguished Conduct Medal
• 15080 Lance Corporal Arthur William Harris - Distinguished Conduct Medal
• 16540 Private George Goldhawk - Distinguished Conduct Medal
• 21343 Sergeant Alfred Wyatt - Distinguished Conduct Medal
• 14626 Lance Sergeant Albert Turville - Distinguished Conduct Medal
• 15318 Private Alfred Pratt - Distinguished Conduct Medal(6)
• 3/8402 Battalion Sergeant Major Frederick Antcliffe - Distinguished Conduct Medal
• 15153 Private John James Winterbourne - Military Medal(7)
• 17442 Private Albert Goodliff - Military Medal
• 12615 Corporal Peter Relhorn - Military Medal
• 14354 Private Arthur Frederick Baker - Military Medal
• 43318 Private William Lewis - Military Medal(8)
• 18267 Private Henry Brett - Military Medal
• 14681 Private Albert Gilbert Bailey - Military Medal
• 12735 Lance Sergeant George Frederick Cowling - Military Medal
• 17317 Private Charles James Perkins - Military Medal
• 15436 Private William Wall - Military Medal
• 14878 Private Arthur James Palmer - Military Medal(9)
• 14644 Private Harry Horgan - Military Medal
• 16002 Private Jesse Meeks - Military Medal
• 43293 Lance Corporal Thomas Fitzgerald - Military Medal
• 9140 Private Henry Erskine - Military Medal
• 14805 Lance Corporal Herbert John Gammons - Military Medal(10)
• 15558 Lance Corporal John Joseph Cousins - Military Medal
• 15684 Private William Sidney Mason - Military Medal
• 8089 Sergeant Robert Hanson - Military Medal
• 2/7597 Private William Inns - Military Medal
• 43263 Private Robert Willacy - Military Medal(11)
• 15044 Private Frank Bayford - Military Medal

All day the Germans have been trying to dislodge 18th Division from the Schwaben Redoubt but have not yet succeeded though some parts have been lost, others lost and retaken. No unit would relish giving up what has been won at such cost but parts have had to be given up by 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment and 7th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment.

Source: X550/8/1

(1) Tom Adlams citation for his Victoria Cross reads: “A portion of a village which had defied capture on the previous day had to be captured at all costs to permit subsequent operations to develop. This minor operation came under very heavy machine gun and rifle fire. Second Lieutenant Adlam realising that time was all important, rushed from shell hole to shell hole under heavy fire collecting men for a sudden rush, and for this purpose also collected many enemy grenades. At this stage he was wounded in the leg, but nevertheless he was able to out-throw the enemy and then seizing his opportunity, and in spite of his wound, he led a rush, captured the position and killed the occupants. Throughout the day he continued to lead his men in bombing attacks. On the following day he again displayed courage of the highest order, and though again wounded and unable to throw bombs, he continued to lead his men. His magnificent example and valour, coupled with the skilful handling of the situation, produced far-reaching results”.

(2) Lieutenant Harold Agnew Reaney MC died of wounds on 27th July 1918 and buried at Priory Road Cemetery, Huntingdon

(3) Captain Douglas Scrivener Howard Keep MC was killed in action on 14th July 1917 and buried at Reninghelst New Military Cemetery

(4) Lieutenant-Colonel John Henry Bridcutt DSO was killed in action leading 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles on 1st October 1918 and is buried at Dadizeele New British Cemetery

(5) Company Sergeant Major Richard M Brand DCM, MM was killed in action on 3rd May 1917 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial

(6) Private Alfred Pratt MM was killed on 7th August 1917 and is buried at The Huts Cemetery

(7) Corporal James Winterbourne MM was killed on 3rd May 1917 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial

(8) Private William Lewis MM was killed on 10th August 1917 and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial

(9) Private Arthur James Palmer MM was killed on 6th September 1917 and is buried in Arneke Churchyard

(10) Private Herbert John Gammons MM was killed on 10th August 1917 and is buried in Hooge Crater Cemetery

(11) Sergeant Robert Willacy MM was killed on 13th March 1917 and is buried in Adanac Military Cemetery, Miraumont

Captain Foss’s Victoria Cross

Tuesday 24^th August: It is with the greatest pleasure we have to announce that Captain Charles Foss, DSO, of the 2nd Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment, has been awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery at Neuve Chapelle. The award was made, together with five others, last night and the feat that won the coveted honour for Captain Foss irresistibly recalls O’Leary’s famous exploit(1). The captain, with only eight men, captured an important German position and 52 men. The following is the officlal account of Captain Foss’ bravery: -

“For most conspicuous bravery at Neuve Chapelle on 12th March 1915. After the enemy had captured a part of one of our trenches, and our counter-attack made with one officer and 20 men having failed (all but two of the party being killed or wounded in the attempt), Captain Foss, on his own initiative, dashed forward with eight men, under heavy fire, attacked the enemy with bombs and captured the position, including the 52 Germans occupying it. The capture of this position from the enemy was of the greatest importance and the utmost bravery was displayed in essaying the task with so very few men”.

Captain Foss joined the Bedfordshire Regiment in March 1904 as a Second Lieutenant, and went with the 2nd Battalion to Gibraltar in 1906, afterwards proceeding to Bermuda and South Africa. On November 20th 1912 he was promoted to the rank of Captain and on returning from South Africa he was the Adjutant of the Battalion. On arrival in this country he immediately went to the front, where he quickly distinguished himself for his heroic work. In the words of an officer who was with him in France, Captain Foss “never spared himself and met with some very narrow escapes. He was always to the fore and never failed to look after his men”.

Caotx Foss is a son of the Right Rev Hugh James Foss, Bishop of Osaka and in June last he obtained leave, coming over to England and was married at the time, not knowing he had won the VC although the action in which he gained the Cross was fought in March(2)

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 27th August 1915

(1) Lance Corporal (later Major) Michael John O’Leary, Irish Guards, won his VC on 1st February 1915 at Cuinchy, not far from Neuve Chapelle, by taking our two machine gun nests single-handed in front of his unit’s advancing men. He later emigrated to Canada for a while and led a colourful life, before returning to Britain and serving in World War two. He died in 1961, aged 70.

(2) Charles Calveley Foss was born in 1885 in Kobe [Japan]. He later rose to the rank of Brigadier and died in London in 1953. The medal is on display in the Regimental Gallery at Wardown Museum, Luton.

Edward Warner VC

Tuesday 29th June 1915: We have heard today that the late Private Edward Warner of 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment has been awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his heroism. It was near Hill 60, that centre of terrible carnage, that on May Day, Private Warner, for his bravery won his VC and died shortly after. The official citation adds: “After Trench 46 had been vacated by our troops, consequent on a gas attack, Private Warner entered it single-handed in order to prevent the enemy taking possession. Reinforcements were sent to Private Warner but could not reach him owing to gas. He then came back and brought up more men, by which time he was completely exhausted, but the trench was held until the enemy’s attack ceased. This very gallant soldier died shortly afterwards from the effects of gas poisoning”.

The official entry on Private Warner’s papers stated that he died on May 2nd, of gas poisoning. His mother lives at 38 Cannon Street, Saint Albans  and he enlisted in the Bedfords on June 27th 1903 and after serving three years was placed on the reserve, He was called up on August 5th 1914 and went to the front on August 14th 1914 and had been right through the campaign without a scratch. In February he was home on leave. A strapping, hail-fellow-well-met comrade, he was very popular in the Battalion.

His widowed mother, a grey-haired old lady, said to an interview on Wednesday: “I am proud of my boy, very proud, but nothing can replace him. I wish so much he had lived: it would have been so different. He was a good boy to me, he was my only support, for his father died two years ago, and his only brother has not been heard of for several years. His father used to say that Eddie’s only fault was that he enlisted. His father would have been proud of his V. C. and would have altered his opinion. He was my all”. The old lady concluded: “I have no one else now – my husband and two sons, both lost to me”.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 2nd July 1915

Poisoned Gas at Hill 60

Official map of Hill 60

Sunday 2nd May 1915: The adjutant of 1^st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment reports that about 6.30 last evening the enemy made a sudden attack on the trenches to the battalion’s right, on Hill 60. Once more asphyxiating gas was used, just as it was against the French North African troops to the north on 22^nd April. All the men in the right-hand section of the front line felt the ill effects of this noxious vapour and were violently sick.

Fortunately, once again, the enemy’s vile actions rebounded to an extent on them and they were unable to mount a fully effective attack because the fumes blew back towards them and so with their own weapons they were worsted. Nevertheless one man has died from the effects of the gas and four have had to be evacuated to a Dressing Station with its ill effects on their lungs.

Despite their mishap the German attack did reach the front line trenches. In one spot a trench had had to be evacuated and here one man, through his outstanding courage, prevented disaster. The adjutant tells us that Private Edward Warner, from Saint Albans in Hertfordshire, re-entered the trench on his own and held it in a determined manner against the enemy. As soon as it became clear what was happening more men were sent to help him but the gas prevented them reaching him. After a while he returned and took a few men with him to assist in the defence as the effects of the gas lessened. Although exhausted he assisted his comrades in holding the trench against the enemy.

Private Warner was one of the four men sent to the Dressing Station but, tragically, his bravery has cost him his life as the adjutant has just reported to us that he has heard that this gallant soldier has died due to the effects of the gas on his lungs. Such magnificent courage and devotion to duty cannot but inspire his comrades(1).

Source: X550/2/5

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(1) Private Edward Warner was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial

Patrolling

Second Lieutenant Willans [X550/1/82]

Thursday 26th November 1914: The adjutant of the 2nd Battalion has told us that the General Officer Commanding 7th Division, Major-General Thompson Capper, has congratulated Second Lieutenant Harry Willans on his patrol work.

Patrolling is very dangerous but very necessary work. The gap between the two front line trenches, ours and the Germans’, is known as no-man’s land. Patrols go out under cover of darkness and creep about in no-man’s land to try to discern what the enemy are up to. They get as close as they can to the enemy’s front line and listen. For those who have knowledge of German the things said by the enemy in their trenches may give clues as to any likely attack the enemy intend to make upon our lines. Alternatively, it might be discovered that sections of the enemy front line are lightly held, meaning they might be attacked and captured, advancing our front line by a few hundred yards and damaging enemy morale. Clearly Second Lieutenant Willans is an exceptional man and, should he survive his hazardous work, should make a fine officer.[1]

Major John Mackenzie VC joined the Battalion today bringing with him Second Lieutenant Baker, late of 4th King's Own as well as eleven other ranks. Major Mackenzie won his Victoria Cross in another war. An extract taken from the London Gazette dated 15th January 1901 records the following: "On the 6th June 1900, at Dompoassi, in Ashanti, Sergeant Mackenzie, after working two Maxim guns under a hot fire, and being wounded while doing so, volunteered to clear the stockades of the enemy which he did in the most gallant manner, leading the charge himself and driving the enemy headlong into the bush".

This war against the Ashanti was known as the War of the Golden Stool, the symbol of kingship over these people. It was the fifth war against these fierce West African warriors since 1823 and resulted in Ashanti territory being incorporated into the Hold Coast in January 1902.[2]

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[1] Harry Willans would be twice mentioned in despatches, win the Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross, be made a Companion of the Bath, and CBE and would reach the rank of Major General, dying on 5th February 1943 and being buried at Tobruk. He was son of James Tetley Willans and Henrietta Mary Willans, married Dorothy Joan and lived in Stevenage [Hertfordshire].

[2] The Gold Coast became independent, as Ghana, in 1957.

Both Battalions in Action

Thursday 29th October 1914: Both our battalions have been in action today. The adjutant of the 1st Bedfords, at Festubert, tells us that B and D Companies were sent to assist the Manchester Regiment who had been partially ejected from their trenches by the enemy. Our source with the battalion, however, tells us: “As we were relieving the Manchester supporting company we heard cheering and found that two sergeants of the Manchesters had just retaken the last portion of advanced trench on their own, had driven out and captured seventeen Germans themselves”.[1]

The 2nd Battalion spent the night digging in near the village of Zandvoorde where they are the reserve battalion for their brigade. This afternoon they were ordered to advance to assist in a counter-attack. As soon as they left their trenches the battalion came under heavy shellfire. Then the enemy machine guns began to be a nuisance, they were in between the battalion and a further British unit ahead meaning that the Bedfords could not fire at them for fear of hitting our own men. This left the battalion somewhat in limbo and the adjutant tells us that they expect to be ordered to retire to their original positions under cover of darkness this evening. He tells us that one officer and three other ranks have been killed.

Sources: X550/2/5; X550/2/7; X550/3/wd

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[1] This is not quite correct – the two men were 2nd Lieutenant James Leach and Sergeant John Hogan, both of whom were subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross